do I need my inhaler ?

[50shadesofgrey]

hi all, I’m new to this forum and new to my illness which I haven’t really been informed of in much detail. I had a collapsed lung in September last year and they did a cat scan 3 weeks later. The results letter that they sent my doctor was also sent to me. I’ve gathered that I have emphysema and bronchial wall thickening and other bits. I was given an inhaler spiolto respimat but not really sure if it’s doing anything. So do I take it ?

[sassy59]

Welcome to the forum, and yes you will most likely need your inhaler but do check with your doctor that it’s the right one for you. It can take time to get the correct medication but do persevere.

I wish you well. Xxx

[peege]

I would say yes, they wouldn't have prescribed an inhaler for nothing. It's pretty important to keep your airways open.

[50shadesofgrey in reply to peege]

Hi peege, I was told it was Upto me if I used it.

[peege in reply to 50shadesofgrey]

Bit strange if they don't explain the pros & cons. Do give the helpline a call, I hear they are brilliant. 0300 222 5800 uk , 9.15 to 5pm Mon to Fri

[Skatergirl1]

hi, I have severe emphysema and am taking spiolto respimat and it works for me, I was given trixeo but you had to remember to take that twice a day and it also caused my mouth Ulsars so asked to go back to spiolto, it may take a couple of weeks before you notice a vast improvement. I also take ventolin as and when needed.

[Oshgosh]

perhaps take the inhaler and see how you feel.

I hope it helps x

[Alberta56]

Welcome. Did the medics not mention that it's a good idea, vital in fact, to learn breathing techniques. These can be found on line at the Asthmalung web site, or at a Pulmonary Rehabilitation class. Keep trying with your inhaler and, if there is no improvement after a month, ask your doctor for a different one.

[50shadesofgrey in reply to Alberta56]

Hi Alberta, I haven’t really been sat down and fully explained anything. I’ve called doctors today to see if I can get an appointment for someone to go through the 2 letters that I have received from the hospital, both are copies of what was sent to my gp so don’t really understand them. I picked up a leaflet when at hospital on breathlessness and that explained that I have to keep active and learn to breathe but no one from medical staff have said anything to me.

[Alberta56 in reply to 50shadesofgrey]

The one thing the majority if people on this forum have in common is that nobody explains things to them. We just have to push and shove until we get some answers.

[katieoxo60]

You will need to take the inhaler as they are to treat the symptoms mainly and reduce further damage to the lungs from your illness I believe . If you have problems with taking the inhaler then see your practice nurse or GP. Best wishes and welcome to the forum.

[AsthmaandLung Administrator]

Hello and a warm welcome.

We would reiterate the advice from our members to take your medication as advised by your health care practitioner. If it does not seem to be working or your symptoms are getting worse, do get back in touch with them for advice.

You can also call us for a chat and speak to our Clinical Team if you wish on 0300 222 5800.

asthmaandlung.org.uk/helpline

Take care

Helpline Team

[watergazer]

hi and welcome. If you’ve been prescribed an inhaler then I’d take it until you’ve spoken to a doctor x

[50shadesofgrey]

thank you to everyone for the warm welcome and advice, it’s been a scary last couple of months so it’s nice to meet others who understand and can give advice xx

[Germantara]

Definitely take inhaler if you're not happy about it speak to respertory nurse or docter